Bulk loader system for thermoplastic pellets

ABSTRACT

A bulk loader system is disclosed that may include a conveyor unit in connection with a fuel-powered engine powering a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor may be used to operate the conveyor unit. The system may be configured to function while being mounted on a bed of a truck or be operated as a stand-alone unit. The unit may be sized such that an operator can stand on the deck of the truck along with the unit. The fuel-hydraulic powered motor can enable the conveyor unit to operate at variable speeds. The conveyor unit can be adjustable to facilitate controlling the direction of the material being transported via the conveyor. Some embodiments can include operating the hydraulics of the motor from the Power Take-Off (“PTO”) of the truck. Some embodiments can facilitate operation of the system in a hot or other harsh environment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is related to and claims the benefit of priorityto U.S. provisional patent application 62/430,467 filed on Dec. 6, 2016,the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

Various embodiments can include a bulk loader system that may beconfigured to be portable, and may be further configured to minimize thearea foot-print it occupies.

Background of the Related Art

Bulk loading techniques can be used with many processing systems, whichmay include batch processing, continuous processing, etc. For example,bulk loading can be used to transfer material from a staging area or astorage unit to the processing stream of the processing system. Someprocessing systems may be configured to be transported as the materialis being processed. Yet, conventional bulk loading techniques may not beportable, or at least adapted to be transported with the processingsystem. In addition, conventional bulk loading techniques may not beable to operate within close proximity to the processing system. Theseand other deficiencies with conventional techniques can hinder theportability and other aspects of the bulk loading system and/or theprocessing system the bulk loading system is associated with.

The present invention is directed toward overcoming one or more of theabove-identified problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the system can include a conveyor unit in connection witha portable hopper. The hopper can include a means for transporting it,which may include transporting the hopper to and from a trailer of avehicle. The conveyor can include a variable speed motor unit. The motorunit may also be configured to withstand harsh environmental conditionsat or near a processing unit. The conveyor unit can be configured totransport material from the hopper to the processing unit with thehopper being in close proximity to the processing unit. The conveyor canbe pivoted and a directional chute of the conveyor can be adjusted tofacilitate positioning and repositioning components of the system. Insome embodiments, the system can be configured to be placed on a trailerof a vehicle so as to occupy only a portion of the trailer. The systemcan be further configured to allow an operator to also be positioned onthe trailer. This may allow the operator to gain access to variouscomponents of the system for operation, oversight, and/or maintenance.

The system can be configured to facilitate introduction of material intothe processing unit via the hopper and conveyor, as opposed to loadingthe material into the processing unit directly (e.g., dumping bags ofmaterial into the processing unit). Direct loading of the material intothe processing unit can be dangerous and inefficient. Further, directloading methods may not provide a means to effectively control a rate atwhich material is introduced into the processing unit.

In an exemplary embodiment, a bulk loading system can include at leastone hopper having a cavity configured to receive material. The systemcan further include least one conveyor having a take-up end and adischarge end. The at least one conveyor may be connected to a portionof the at least one hopper that is within the cavity. The at least oneconveyor may be connected to the hopper via the take-up end. The systemmay further include a support base affixed to the at least one hopper.The support base may be configured to facilitate the at least one hopperto be rested upon a surface and to facilitate hoisting the at least onehopper. The system may further include at least one conveyor motordisposed at or near the discharge end. The at least one motor may beconfigured to operate the conveyor.

In some embodiments, the at least one conveyor can be pivotallyconnected to the at least one hopper via a pivot connection. In someembodiments, the at least one conveyor can be pivoted from a forwardposition to a rearward position via the pivot connection.

The system can further include a chute surrounding the conveyor. Thesystem can further include a chute extension connected to the chute. Thechute extension may include a chute trough. In some embodiments, thechute extension can be rotatingly attached to the chute via a rotatingengagement.

In some embodiments, the at least one conveyor motor can be configuredto provide variable speed control for the conveyor. In some embodiments,the at least one conveyor motor can be configured to operate within anenvironment that exposes the at least one motor to a temperature rangefrom 400 degrees Fahrenheit (“V”) to 500° F.

The system can further include a pivot connector to pivotally connectthe at least one conveyor to the at least one hopper, and a chuteextension rotatingly connected to a chute surrounding the conveyor via arotating engagement.

The system can further include a pivot motor in connection with thepivot connector and a rotating engagement motor in connection with therotating engagement.

The system can further include a control module in connection with theat least one conveyor motor, the pivot motor, and/or the rotating motorto facilitate operational control of the at least one conveyor, thepivot connector, and/or the rotating engagement.

In some embodiments, the support base can be further configured tofacilitate placing the at least one hopper on a trailer of a vehicle. Insome embodiments, the support base can be configured to facilitateplacing the at least one hopper adjacent a processing unit that islocated on a trailer of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the support basecan be further configured to facilitate placing two hoppers adjacenteach other so as to span a width of the trailer. In some embodiments,the support base can be further configured to facilitate placing the twohoppers adjacent each other so as to span the width of the trailer witha gap between each hopper, wherein width of the trailer is approximately96 inches and the gap is approximately 16 inches.

In another exemplary embodiment, a bulk loading system can include atleast one hopper having a cavity configured to receive material. Thesystem can further include at least one conveyor having a take-up endand a discharge end. The conveyor may be connected to a portion of theat least one hopper that is within the cavity. The at least one conveyormay be connected to the hopper via the take-up end. The system canfurther include a support base affixed to the at least one hopper. Thesupport base may be configured to facilitate the at least one hopper tobe rested upon a surface and to facilitate hoisting the at least onehopper. The system can further include at least one conveyor motordisposed at or near the discharge end. The at least one motor may beconfigured to operate the conveyor. The system can further include atleast one processing unit configured to receive material from thedischarge end.

In some embodiments, the system can be configured to be placed on atrailer of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the at least one hopper caninclude a first hopper and a second hopper. The at least one processingunit can include a first processing unit and a second processing unit.The first hopper may be configured to supply material to the firstprocessing unit. The second hopper may be configured to supply materialto the second processing unit. In some embodiments, the at least oneconveyor motor can be configured to operate within an environment thatexposes the at least one motor to a temperature range from 400° F. to500° F.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of bulk loading can includetransporting at least one hopper to a location adjacent at least oneprocessing unit. The at least one hopper may have a conveyor attached toa portion thereof. The conveyor may include a take-up end and adischarge end. The discharge end may have a conveyor motor disposedtherein to operate the conveyor. The discharge end may also include achute extension. The method can further include positioning the at leastone hopper and/or the conveyor so that the discharge end can be at ornear an opening of the at least one processing unit. The method canfurther include loading the at least one hopper with material. Themethod can further include operating the conveyor motor to cause thematerial to be transported from the take-up end toward the dischargeend. The method can further include operating the conveyor motor tofurther cause the material to be discharged from the discharge end. Themethod can further include positioning the conveyor and/or the chuteextension to direct the material being discharged from the discharge endtoward or into the at least one processing unit. The method can furtherinclude further loading the at least one hopper on a continuous and/orbatch basis as the conveyer supplies material to the at least oneprocessing unit on a continuous basis.

Further features, aspects, objects, advantages, and possibleapplications of the present invention will become apparent from a studyof the exemplary embodiments and examples described below, incombination with the Figures, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The above and other objects, aspects, features, advantages and possibleapplications of the present invention will be more apparent from thefollowing more particular description thereof, presented in conjunctionwith the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a hopper that maybe used with an embodiment of the bulk loading system.

FIG. 1B shows a rear view of an embodiment of a hopper that may be usedwith an embodiment of the bulk loading system.

FIG. 1C shows a side view of an embodiment of a hopper that may be usedwith an embodiment of the bulk loading system.

FIG. 2A shows a top view of an embodiment of a hopper that may be usedwith an embodiment of the bulk loading system.

FIG. 2B shows another a top view of an embodiment of a hopper that maybe used with an embodiment of the bulk loading system.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hopper thatmay be used with an embodiment of the bulk loading system.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram showing an exemplary connection between acontrol module and other components of an embodiment of the bulk loadingsystem.

FIG. 5A shows a top view of an embodiment of the bulk loading systemwith an embodiment of a processing unit attached to a trailer.

FIG. 5B shows a side view of an embodiment of the bulk loading systemwith an embodiment of a processing unit attached to a trailer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is of an embodiment presently contemplated forcarrying out the present invention. This description is not to be takenin a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describingthe general principles and features of the present invention. The scopeof the present invention should be determined with reference to theclaims.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, the system 1 can include at least one hopper2, at least one conveyor 4, and/or at least one motor 6. The hopper 2can be configured to receive material, such as iron pellets,thermoplastic pellets, feed, or other bulk material. The hopper 2 can beused as a temporary storage container for the material. This can includecreating a reservoir for the material as the material awaits beingprocessed. The conveyor 4 can be configured to transport the materialfrom the hopper 2. This can include transporting the material to anotherdevice. The motor 6 can be configured to operate the conveyor 4. Thiscan include controlling the speed with which the conveyor 4 operates.The system 1 may further include at least one processing unit 8. (SeeFIGS. 5A-5B). The processing unit 8 can be configured to process thematerial. For example, the conveyor 4 can transport the material fromthe hopper 2 to the processing unit 8.

The hopper 2 can be structured as a container to hold the materialwithin a cavity portion 16 of the hopper 2. The hopper 2 can also bestructured to hold the conveyor 4. This can include retaining a take-upend 14 of the conveyor 4 within the cavity portion 16. The hopper 2 canhave various shapes and sizes. In at least one embodiment, the hopper 2can have a body 17 with a square profile and a tapered bottom 18. Thehopper 2 can further include a support base 20. The support base 20 canbe configured to allow the hopper 2 to rest upon a surface. In oneembodiment, the support base 20 can be further structured to support thehopper 2 in an elevated manner (e.g., elevated with respect to thesurface upon which the support base 20 is resting upon). The supportbase 20 can be structured as a palletized base. This can include atleast one feed-through 22. The feed-through 22 can be structured toallow for ingress and egress of at least one forklift tine. This canfacilitate use of the forklift to move and manipulate the hopper 2.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, in some embodiments, the system 1 can beconfigured to be portable. For example, the system 1 may be placed on atrailer 10 of a vehicle 12. The trailer 10 can be a flatbed trailer. Inat least one embodiment, the system 1 can be transportable via a crane,a forklift, or some other hoisting mechanism. For example, thepalletized base 22 can be used to transport the hopper 2 via a forklift,which may include placing the hopper 2 on, and removing it from, thetrailer 10. In some embodiments, the system 1 can be configured to onlyoccupy a portion of the trailer 10. This can include being placed on thetrailer 10 and having ample room to allow at least one operator (e.g., ahuman) to also be on the trailer 10. In addition, the configuration ofthe system 1 components and particular operation thereof can facilitateeach component being in close proximity with each other. This caninclude the motor 6 being in close proximity with the processing unit 8.This may be beneficial when configuring the system 1 with a reduced orminimized area foot-print.

In some embodiments, the system 1 can include a plurality of hoppers 2.In at least one embodiment, the hopper 2 can have a rectangular profilewith a short-side length 24 of approximately 40 inches and a long-sidelength 26 of approximately 48 inches. These dimensions may facilitategenerating a system 1 with two hoppers 2 juxtaposed to each other alonga width of the trailer 10. In one embodiment, two hoppers 2 can beplaced adjacent each other so that the system 1 spans the width of thetrailer 10 but with a gap 28 existing between each hopper 2. The gap 28can be wide enough to allow an operator to be positioned therein. Thismay allow an operator to gain access to desired components of the system1. For example, the trailer wide may be approximately 96 inches. Theshort-side length 24 of approximately 40 inches can allow for a gap 28of 16 inches. It should be noted that these dimensions are exemplary andthat any dimensions can be used to achieve a desired functionality.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3, the cavity 16 of the hopper 2 can be configuredto receive a sack or bag of material. Alternatively, the material can beplaced within the cavity 16 of the hopper 2 without the bag. The hopper2 may further include a grate 30. The grate 30 can be used to preventcertain size objects from entering the take-up end 14 of the conveyor 4.For example, the grate 30 can prevent the bag from being entrainedwithin the conveyor 4 by preventing the bag from passing through thegrate 30 and entering the take-up end 14, but allow the material of thebag to pass through the grate 30 once the bag is opened and be entrainedwithin the conveyor 4. Being entrained within the conveyor 4 can allowthe material to be transported from the take-up end 14 and be directedtoward the discharge end 32.

The conveyor 4 can include a take-up end 14 and a discharge end 32. Theconveyor 4 can be a belt fed unit, a screw-fed unit, etc. In at leastone embodiment, the conveyor 4 is a screw-feed unit. For example, afeed-screw 34 can be configured to entrain material from the hopper 2and transport it toward the discharge end 32. The conveyor 4 can furtherinclude a chute 36. The chute 36 may at least partially surround theconveyor 4. This may be done to confine the material to the conveyor 4as the material is caused to be transported from the take-up end 14toward the discharge end 32.

The conveyer 4 can be attached to the hopper 4 via its take-up end 14.For example, the conveyor take-up end 14 can be secured to a portion ofthe hopper 2. This can include securing the take-up end 14 to a portionof the hopper 2 that is within the cavity 16. This can further includesecuring the take-up end 14 below the grate 30. For example, the grate30 can be positioned to span an inside space of the hopper 2 but have agrate aperture 38 through which the conveyor 4 can extend through. Thegrate aperture 38 can be configured to allow edges of the grate definedby the grate aperture 38 to hug or be adjacent the at least a portion ofthe chute 36.

The conveyor 4 can further include at least one pivot connector 40. Thepivot connector 40 can be a pivoting joint configured to allow theconveyor 4 to pivot relative to the hopper 2. For example, the take-upend 14 can be secured to the hopper 2 via the pivot connector 40. Thepivot connector 40 can be positioned above the grate 30 and the mouth ofthe take-up end 14 can be positioned below the grate 30. The pivotconnector 40 can be a shaft with a rotating hub and bearing assembly toallow the conveyor 4 to rotate about the axis defined by the shaft. Forexample, the shaft can be orientated to be parallel with a latitudinaldirection 42 of the trailer 10. Pivoting the conveyor 4 about the axisof the shaft can cause the conveyor 4 to swing from to and for a forwardposition 46 and a rearward position 48 along the longitudinal direction44 of the trailer 10. It should be noted that the shaft can beorientated in any direction so as to allow the conveyor 4 to pivot alongany direction. Further, other types of pivoting connectors 40 can beused.

The discharge end 32 of the conveyor 4 can be configured to dischargethe material to another device or area as the conveyor 4 transports thematerial from take-up end 14. This can include discharging the materialto the processing unit 8. The discharge end 32 can further include achute extension 50. The chute extension 50 may include a chute trough52. The chute extension 50 may extend from the chute 36 and terminate ata closed-off end 54. The chute trough 52 can extend from a side surfaceof the chute extension 50. As material is caused to be transported fromthe take-up end 14, the material can be forced against the closed-offend 54. The material can be further forced to exit the chute extension50 via the chute trough 52. In at least one embodiment, the chute trough52 can be duck-bill shaped. Other chute trough 52 shapes can be used.

The chute extension 50 can be rotatingly attached to the discharge end32 via a rotating engagement 56. This can include being rotatinglyattached to the chute 36 at the discharge end 32. The rotatingengagement 56 can be achieved via a bearing and race assembly, forexample. Other rotating engagements 56 can be used.

Referring to FIG. 4, the pivot connector 40 and/or the rotatingengagement 56 can be operated manually (e.g., the operator can swing theconveyor 4 about the pivot connector 40 or rotate the chute extension 50about the chute distal end). The pivot connector 40 and/or the rotatingengagement 56 can be operated via automation (e.g., an electric motorcan be used to cause the conveyor 4 to swing about the pivot connector40 or cause the chute extension 50 to rotate about the chute distalend). The motor(s) used to operate the pivot connector 40 and/or therotating engagement 56 can be operated via a control module 58. Thecontrol module 58 can be a processor associated with a non-transitorymemory. Software can be stored within the memory to cause the processorto execute instructions that control an operation of the motor(s). Thecontrol module 58 can be connected to the pivot connector 40 and/or therotating engagement 56 via a hardwire connection and/or via a wirelessconnection (e.g., at least one transceiver unit). Thus, an operator canoperate the pivot connector 40 and/or the rotating engagement 56remotely via the control module 58. In some embodiments, any of themotors can be variable speed motors.

The system 1 can further include the motor 6 to operate the conveyor 4.The motor 6 can be located at or near the discharge end 32 of theconveyor 4. This may be done to provide ease of maintenance if the motor6 requires service. For example, an operator can stand in the gap 26 andeasily access the motor 6. With an embodiment where the conveyor 4 isconfigured as a screw-fed, the motor 6 can be in mechanical connectionwith the feed-screw 34 to cause the feed-screw 34 to rotate. This can beachieved by a drive shaft of the motor 6 being connected to a driveshaft of the feed-screw 34 via a U-joint, for example. Other types ofmechanical connections can be used. In some embodiments, the controlmodule 56 can be in further connection with the motor 6 so as to allowan operator to control the operation of the conveyor 4.

In at least one embodiment, the motor 6 can be a hydraulic motor poweredby an engine. The engine can be a combustion engine, such as a gasolineengine for example. Such a configuration may allow the feed-screw 34 tobe operated at variable rotational speeds. Thus, the combined hydraulicmotor and engine unit can be used to form a hydraulic drive system. Forexample, the throttle of the engine can be used to control theoperational output characteristics of the hydraulic motor to cause thefeed-screw to rotate at a desired speed. In at least one embodiment, thefeed-screw 34 can be operated by the Power-Take-Off (“PTO”) of a vehicle12. This can include the PTO of the vehicle 12 the system 1 is placedon.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, the system 1 can further include theprocessing unit 8 to receive the material as it is discharged from theconveyor 4. The processing unit 8 can be a kettle used to heat thematerial to a desired temperature for further processing and/or use. Forexample, the processing unit 8 can be a kettle used to heat thethermoplastic pellets to a desired temperature before being utilized.The temperature within a close proximity around the kettle may be withina range of 400° F. to 500° F. Some embodiments include the motor 6 beinglocated at or near the discharge end 32 of the conveyor 4. The system 1may be configured such that the discharge end 32, and thus the motor 6,can be positioned adjacent the kettle. For example, the kettle may be acontainer with an opening 60. The discharge end 32 of the conveyor canbe pivoted to the rearward position 48. This may cause the discharge end32, and thus the motor 6, to be adjacent the opening 60. This may causethe motor 6 to be exposed to the temperature range from 400° F. to 500°F. Thus, the motor 6 may be configured to withstand such temperaturerange.

In some embodiments, the processing unit 8 can be structured to beplaced on the trailer 10. The processing unit 8 can be a cylindricalshaped drum with a diameter within the range from 40 inches to 50 inchesand a height of approximately 13 feet. It should be noted that thesedimensions are exemplary and that any dimensions can be used to achievea desired functionality. The trailer 10 can have a forward 62 and an aft64. The processing unit 8 can be positioned at or near the aft 64. Thehopper 2 can be positioned adjacent the processing unit 8. This caninclude being placed in front of the processing unit 8. The hopper 2 canbe positioned adjacent the processing unit 8 such that the discharge end32 of the conveyor 4 can be pivoted to the full rearward position 48. Inthe full rearward position 48, a vertical distance from a top surface ofthe trailer 10 to a distal end of the chute extension 50 can be 13 feetand 6 inches. This requirement may be used to accommodate roadconditions, such as allowing the vehicle 12 to travel throughunder-passes and other overhead structures. Other spatial requirementscan be applied. With the non-limiting exemplary dimensions andconfigurations described above, the system 1 can be placed on a portionof the trailer 10 with ample room for other equipment. For example thesystem 1 may only take up approximately half of the trailer 10. Further,as noted above, the system 1 can include two hoppers 2 with ample roomfor an operator to be positioned within the gap 28 between them. Thus,configuration and placement of the system 1 components can be used toreduce the area footprint of the system 1.

In some embodiments, system can include a plurality of processing units8. For example, two processing units 8 can be placed adjacent each otherso that the processing units 8 span the width of the trailer 10. Eachprocessing unit 8 can be associated with a hopper 2. For example, afirst hopper 2 can be positioned adjacent a first processing unit 8 anda second hopper 2 can be positioned adjacent a second processing unit 8.The conveyor 4 of the first hopper 2 can be configured to supplymaterial from the first hopper 2 to the first processing unit 8. Theconveyor 4 of the second hopper 2 can be configured to supply materialfrom the second hopper 2 to the second processing unit 8. Alternately,the system 1 can include a plurality of processing units 8 and a singlehopper 2. Alternatively, the system 1 can include a plurality of hoppers2 and a single processing unit 8. The various configurations may be usedto facilitate material processing via a semi-continuous process. Forexample, the material can be loaded into the hopper(s) 2 batch-wisewhile the conveyor(s) 4 from the hopper(s) 2 can supply the material tothe processing unit(s) 8 on a continuous basis. The variousconfigurations may also be used to supply a first type of material froma first hopper 2 and a second type of material form a second hopper 2.The variable speed operation of the conveyor 4 can further facilitateconcerted coordination of feed-rates from each hopper 2.

With the motor 6 positioned at or near the discharge end 32 of theconveyor 4, the ability to rotate the discharge end 32, the ability topivot the pivot connector 14, the ability to reposition and reconfigurethe system 1 components, and/or the ability to control the feed-rate,can allow the system 1 to be used anywhere, whether the processing unit8 is stationary or whether the processing unit 8 is mobile. Further, thesystem 1 can be configured to be used in various compromising spaces dueto the ability to configure and reconfigure the system 1 components.Thus, the system 1 is not limited to being used on a trailer 10 of thevehicle 12. The ability to transport the hopper 2 (e.g., via thepalletized base 20) can further facilitate portability of the system 1.Thus, the system 1 can be transported, configured, and reconfigured in amultitude of ways to achieve a desired operation and functionality. Theability to pivot the conveyor 4 to and from the forward position 46 andrearward position 48 can allow the system 1 to discharge material fromeither position. Additionally, the ability to rotate the chute extension50 can allow an operator to fine tune the direction the material can bedischarged. Such functionalities can further facilitate ease oftransport, configuration, and reconfiguration for the system 1.

In an exemplary implementation, the system 1 can be used by transportingat least one hopper 2 to a desired location. This can include hoistingthe hopper 2 via the feed-throughs 22 with use of a forklift. The hopper2 can be placed adjacent to at least one processing unit 8. Theprocessing unit 8 may be positioned on a trailer 10, and the hopper 2may also be placed on the trailer 10. This can include placing thehopper 2 adjacent the processing unit 8.

At least one material can be loaded into the cavity 16 portion of thehopper 2. The material can be loaded by placing a bag or sack filledwith the material into the hopper 2. The bag can be opened to allow thematerial to flow into the take-up end 14 of the conveyor 4. Alternately,or in addition, the material can be loaded into the hopper 2 without abag or sack. The motor 6 can be actuated to cause the conveyor 4 totransport the material from the take-up end 14 and toward the dischargeend 32. The material can be further caused to be discharged from thedischarge end 32. Discharging the material can include directing thematerial toward or into the processing unit 8.

The conveyor 4 can be pivoted to the forward position 46 and/or therearward position 48. This can be done before, during, and/or after thematerial is loaded into the hopper 2. This can also be done before,during, and/or after the material is being discharged from the dischargeend 32. In some embodiments, the conveyor 4 can be pivoted such that thedischarge end 32 is positioned adjacent the processing unit 8. Theconveyor 4 can include the chute extension 50. The chute extension 50can be rotated to further direct the material being discharged from thedischarge end 32. This can be done before, during, and/or after thematerial is loaded into the hopper 2. This can also be done before,during, and/or after the material is being discharged from the dischargeend 32. Further directing the material can include causing the materialbeing discharged to be directed toward or into the processing unit 8.

The system 1 can be used to transport material from the hopper 2 to theprocessing unit 8 in a continuous process while material is loaded intothe hopper 2 in a batch-loading process and/or a continuous process. Thefeed-rate of the material from the hopper 2 to the processing unit 8 canbe controlled via the variable speed control of the motor 6. Thevariable speed control of the motor 6 can be controlled via the controlmodule 58. In addition, at least one motor can be associated with thepivot connector 40 and/or rotating engagement 56 to control theoperations of each. The motor(s) of the pivot connector 40 and/orrotating engagement 56 can be in further connection with the controlmodule 58. The operations of the pivot connector 40 and/or rotatingengagement 56 may then be controlled via the control module 58.

The system 1 can include a first hopper 2, a second hopper 2, a firstprocessing unit 8, and a second processing unit 8. The first and secondprocessing units 8 can be positioned on the trailer 10 adjacent eachother so as to span a width of the trailer 10. The first and secondprocessing units 8 can be positioned at or near the aft 64 of thetrailer 10. The first and second hoppers 2 can be positioned on thetrailer 10 adjacent each other so as to span a width of the trailer 10but for the gap 28 between the hoppers 2. The gap 28 can be wide enoughto allow an operator to be positioned therein. The first hopper 2 can bepositioned adjacent the first processing unit 8. For example, the firsthopper 2 can be placed in front of the first processing unit 8. Thesecond hopper 2 can be positioned adjacent the second processing unit 8.For example, the second hopper 2 can be placed in front of the secondprocessing unit 8. The conveyor 4 of the first hopper 2 can be pivotedto the rearward position 48. This can include positioning the dischargeend 32 of the conveyor 4 adjacent the opening 60 of the first processingunit 8. The chute extension 50 of the conveyor can be rotated to directmaterial that may be discharged from the conveyor into the opening 60 ofthe first processing unit 8. The motor 6 can be actuated to cause theconveyor 4 to transport the material from the first hopper 2 to thefirst processing unit 8. The motor 6 speed control can be adjusted tocontrol the feed-rate. The conveyor 4 of the second hopper 2 can bepivoted to the rearward position 48. This can include positioning thedischarge end 32 of the conveyor 4 adjacent the opening 60 of the secondprocessing unit 8. The chute extension 50 of the conveyor can be rotatedto direct material that may be discharged from the conveyor into theopening 60 of the second processing unit 8. The motor 6 can be actuatedto cause the conveyor 4 to transport the material from the second hopper2 to the second processing unit 8. The motor 6 speed control can beadjusted to control the feed-rate.

The position of the hopper(s) 2, the position of the conveyor(s) 4, theorientation of the chute extension(s) 50, and/or the feed-rates of theconveyor(s) 4 can be further adjusted to provide a desired system 1configuration and/or operational functionality. For example, the firstand second processing units 8 and the first and second hoppers 2 can bepositioned to occupy approximately half of the trailer 10 of the vehicle12.

In at least one embodiment, the un-occupied space of the trailer 10 canbe used as a staging area to hold the material or bags of materialbefore being loaded into the hopper 2. Alternatively, or in addition,another vehicle 12 (e.g., a nurse truck) with a trailer 10 can be usedas the staging area.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerousmodifications and variations of the described examples and embodimentsare possible in light of the above teachings of the disclosure. Thedisclosed examples and embodiments are presented for purposes ofillustration only. Other alternate embodiments may include some or allof the features disclosed herein. Therefore, it is the intent to coverall such modifications and alternate embodiments as may come within thetrue scope of this invention, which is to be given the full breadththereof. Additionally, the disclosure of a range of values is adisclosure of every numerical value within that range, including theendpoints.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bulk loading system, comprising: at least onehopper having a cavity configured to receive material; at least oneconveyor having a take-up end and a discharge end, the take-up end beingconnected to a portion of the at least one hopper that is within thecavity; a support base affixed to the at least one hopper, the supportbase being configured to facilitate the at least one hopper to be restedupon a surface and to facilitate hoisting the at least one hopper; and,at least one conveyor motor disposed at or near the discharge end, theat least one conveyor motor configured to operate the conveyor; andwherein the at least one conveyor is pivotally connected to the at leastone hopper via a pivot connection.
 2. The bulk loading system recited inclaim 1, wherein the at least one conveyor is able to be pivoted from aforward position to a rearward position via the pivot connection.
 3. Thebulk loading system recited in claim 1, further comprising a chutesurrounding the conveyor.
 4. The bulk loading system recited in claim 3,further comprising a chute extension connected to the chute.
 5. The bulkloading system recited in claim 4, further comprising a chute troughconnected to the chute extension.
 6. The bulk loading system recited inclaim 5, wherein the chute extension is rotatingly attached to the chutevia a rotating engagement.
 7. The bulk loading system recited in claim1, wherein the at least one conveyor motor is configured to providevariable speed control for the conveyor.
 8. The bulk loading systemrecited in claim 1, wherein the at least one conveyor motor isconfigured to operate within an environment that exposes the at leastone motor to a temperature range from 400° F. to 500° F.
 9. The bulkloading system recited in claim 1, wherein the support base is furtherconfigured to facilitate placing the at least one hopper on a trailer ofa vehicle.
 10. The bulk loading system recited in claim 9, wherein thesupport base is configured to facilitate placing the at least one hopperadjacent a processing unit that is located on a trailer of a vehicle.11. The bulk loading system recited in claim 9, wherein the support baseis further configured to facilitate placing two hoppers adjacent eachother so as to span a width of the trailer.
 12. The bulk loading systemrecited in claim 11, wherein the support base is further configured tofacilitate placing the two hoppers adjacent each other so as to span thewidth of the trailer with a gap between each hopper, wherein width ofthe trailer is approximately 96 inches and the gap is approximately 16inches.
 13. The bulk loading system recited in claim 1, furthercomprising at least one processing unit configured to receive materialfrom the discharge end.
 14. The bulk loading system recited in claim 13,wherein the system is configured to be placed on a trailer of a vehicle.15. The bulk loading system recited in claim 13, wherein: the at leastone hopper comprises a first hopper and a second hopper; the at leastone processing unit comprises a first processing unit and a secondprocessing unit; the first hopper supplies material to the firstprocessing unit, and the second hopper supplies material to the secondprocessing unit.
 16. A bulk loading system, comprising: at least onehopper having a cavity configured to receive material; at least oneconveyor having a take-up end and a discharge end, the take-up end beingconnected to a portion of the at least one hopper that is within thecavity; a support base affixed to the at least one hopper, the supportbase being configured to facilitate the at least one hopper to be restedupon a surface and to facilitate hoisting the at least one hopper; atleast one conveyor motor disposed at or near the discharge end, the atleast one conveyor motor configured to operate the conveyor; a pivotconnector to pivotally connect the at least one conveyor to the at leastone hopper; and, a chute extension rotatingly connected to a chutesurrounding the conveyor via a rotating engagement.
 17. The bulk loadingsystem recited in claim 16, further comprising a pivot motor inconnection with the pivot connector and a rotating engagement motor inconnection with the rotating engagement.
 18. The bulk loading systemrecited in claim 17, further comprising a control module in connectionwith the at least one conveyor motor, the pivot motor, and/or therotating motor to facilitate operational control of the at least oneconveyor, the pivot connector, and/or the rotating engagement.
 19. Thebulk loading system recited in claim 16, further comprising at least oneprocessing unit configured to receive material from the discharge end.20. A method of bulk loading, comprising: transporting at least onehopper to a location adjacent at least one processing unit, the at leastone hopper having a conveyor attached to a portion thereof, the conveyorcomprising a take-up end and a discharge end, the take-up end beingplaced inside and connected to a cavity portion of the at least onehopper, the discharge end having a conveyor motor disposed therein tooperate the conveyor, the discharge end comprising a chute extension;positioning the at least one hopper and/or the conveyor so that thedischarge end is at or near an opening of the at least one processingunit; loading the at least one hopper with material; operating theconveyor motor to cause the material to be transported from the take-upend toward the discharge end; operating the conveyor motor to furthercause the material to be discharged from the discharge end; positioningthe conveyor and/or the chute extension to direct the material beingdischarged from the discharge end toward or into the at least oneprocessing unit; and, further loading the at least one hopper on acontinuous and/or batch basis as the conveyer supplies material to theat least one processing unit on a continuous basis.